Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak.  Winter. The coldest season of the year. The name comes from an old Germanic word that means “time of water.” Plants die, some seize growth until Spring, some animals hibernate, and some migrate. But, no need for you to become a hermit. There’s still plenty of things to do to keep you busy, happy, healthy and enjoying life in Colorado!

Our first Winter activity is one of the most popular ones. That’s right, you guessed it! Skiing! Skiing helps you improve your ability to feel the position of different body parts. Skiing strengthens bones, joints and lower body muscles, boosts your mood, increases cardiovascular endurance, improves balance, core strength, flexibility and it will help you look at Winter from a new perspective. Here are just a few ski resorts between one and four hours from Denver:

Eldora Mountain Ski Resort in Nederland
Echo Mountain in Idaho Springs
Winter Park Ski Resort in Winter Park
Loveland Ski Area in Loveland
Keystone and Breckenridge Resorts West on I-70
Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Summit County
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Keystone

Don’t care for skiing? No worries. I’m not done yet. How about snowboarding? Most ski resorts also offer snowboarding opportunities. Just like skiing, snowboarding can improve your physical fitness level as well as your mental health. Don’t know how to ski or snowboard? The resorts also offer lessons and trainings. Try it. You‘ll never know if you like it unless you get out there and try!

Still don’t care to pump up your endorphins? That’s okay. I get it. Go snowshoeing. It’s just like hiking, only in the snow and you’re wearing snow shoes. It’s fun! I love it! Snow shoeing started as a way of transportation many moons ago. Snow shoes were developed out of the need to travel and hunt in the winter time. They were originally modeled after the tracks of animals that could easily maneuver in the snow, like the snowshoe hare. Here are my top three favorite places to go snowshoeing:

Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park or Grand Lake
Brainard Lake Recreational Area in Ward
Walker Ranch Loop in Boulder County

If you can hike it in the summer, you can most likely snowshoe it in the winter. I would, however, recommend you check online for updates before you head out.

Okay. So, you’d much rather relax while you enjoy the snow. How about a sleigh ride? Crisp, winter air, warm blankets, beautiful scenery and relaxation. A lot of sleigh rides offered in our beautiful Colorado Mountains include hot cocoa, drinks, snacks and some even offer packages that include a meal afterwards. Sleigh rides vary from 30 minutes up to an hour and a half. Here are some of Colorado’s most favored destinations for sleigh rides:

Elk River Guest Ranch in Steamboat Springs
Beaver Meadows Ranch near Fort Collins
Sombrero Ranch in Winter Park
Two Below Zero in Frisco
Pine Creek in Aspen

A lot of towns and cities in Colorado offer sleigh rides or horse drawn carriage rides all year long. Places like Georgetown, Estes Park, Grand Lake, Denver and many more. They’re easy to find online and even easier to enjoy.

Don’t waste your winter curled upon the couch, gaining calories or feeling bored. As Winter Solstice hits on December 21, appreciate it for the wonder that it offers us during the season and beyond.

(Originally published in the November 22, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)